The First City to Require Energy Efficient Buildings

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The Borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, is the first municipality in the country where, by law, private commercial buildings must earn the Energy Star designation due to a new ordinance passed by the municipality’s Borough Council. The Energy Star program ensures that these buildings will be among the most energy efficient in the country. According to the new ordinance, a developer who is required to seek a “conditional use” approval for a project must design the building(s) to meet the energy performance goals of the Energy Star program. One year after operation, the building owner must assess energy use and apply for the Energy Star label. Savings from the program will be realized in greenhouse gas emission reductions and lower energy costs. (Report from the National League of Cities)